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Messages - mrsmith

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31
Glendon,

I run a very successful business (just bought a new building).  I wrote a book.  (www.theartofpicking.com) that sells on Amazon worldwide.  I create videos on youtube.


You can visit my site to get details, or message me via facebook to get my address so you can send me the $5,000. 

Thanks man!

32
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: So a lady walks into a unit...
« on: November 22, 2011, 12:35:59 PM »
Lol, I'm talking about a water gun of course.  That (5x10) might be the only place I wouldn't pick!

33
The "Other" Job / Teacher
« on: November 22, 2011, 11:20:27 AM »
I've been teaching for nine years and I love doing it. 

I get to spend my summers scouring flea markets and garage sales!  Not to mention I find things for my classroom all the time.

The only problem is the kids know they only have to ask me what I have found over the weekend to get me going off on a tangent.

34
Other Forms of Selling / Re: Ebay vs. Flea Market
« on: November 22, 2011, 11:04:03 AM »
Cobia, that's a nice formula for attempting to put a value on your time. As most pickers know, your time is a commodity. It's how you put your time to use, or get the most value for your time, that determines your success.

As others said already, you have to include the time you spend not selling your item. If you could send your items to a flea market without being present, then we could assume your example is true. Which is why selling on sites like Ebay is such a powerful tool for pickers. A store without the overhead.

I know people complain and argue about how they are charged through the roof with this fee or that, but honestly try opening a brick and mortar store.  You get less exposure, higher overhead, are restricted to certain hours, and you have to actually be present also (or pay someone else for their time). 

Figuring out how to make the most money for your time is the real recipe for success, not the item.

35
New to Storage Auctions? / Re: Research research research
« on: November 22, 2011, 10:01:24 AM »
Craigslstauction,  what you talk about is an excellent example of what I call the filtering process. Start from the top and work your way down. Each item should have the best chance to sell for the highest value. I see way too many people sitting on items and not understanding that they have to turn and burn to make a profit. 

Research is experience's substitute, do it!

36
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: So a lady walks into a unit...
« on: November 22, 2011, 09:46:20 AM »
When my dog starts poking around the trash I shoot him with a water pistol.  Maybe next time pack some heat? A shot to the eye will keep her out. 

37
Stories about Storage Auctions / Re: Boycott "Buyer's Premium"
« on: November 22, 2011, 09:43:28 AM »
Honestly I don't see many people not bidding on a unit because of a buyer's premium. Sure, in the back of their mind they know that they will pay an extra 10%, but not a lot of people are going to factor that in to their final price.

With the final purchase price being such a subjective matter, you might decide that the 10% pushes you over the edge, but that extra $100's might still be far below another bidders overall estimate.

It's a smart move by the auction owners to squeeze out a few more  bucks, but when the market reverts back to some normalcy (if it ever does, maybe this is the new normal?) Then I can see the premium hurting them.

Boycotting will just mean someone else will be standing in your place in the auction line.

38
General Storage Auction Talk / Re: What are the ages of the people here?
« on: November 22, 2011, 09:31:27 AM »
35

Seems like a lot of new generation pickers out there. I know I started going to auctions when I was very young. Got hooked around 12 or 13 and have been buying and selling since. I've been fortunate enough to make it a serious business with a 6,000 sq ft building to buy and sell from, couple trucks and a few employees.

If I had any advice for the younger guys getting in to it, take everything you see on television with a grain of salt!

39
General Storage Auction Talk / Re: Handbag Authentication
« on: November 22, 2011, 09:24:24 AM »
I'm by no means a handbag expert, but I've sold quite a few.  The proof is in the details. You have to look at everything from the material they are made from, the stitching, the lining, the straps, even down to the badge itself and how it is laid out.

For some reason, women are born with this innate gift of knowing when a purse is a knock-off. When a purse comes in sketchy, I ask a few customers what their take is on it and we usually come to a pretty accurate conclusion.

Some of those designer imposters actually can bring in some decent money also, some people can't afford the real thing and prefer the fake.

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